Kalla Centro Wells & Hand Pumps

Project Location: Altiplano, Bolivia

Community Background

The community of Kalla Centro is located in Bolivia at an altitude of 4,046 meters (13,274 feet) above sea level in an area known as the Altiplano, a high, flat mountainous plateau. The indigenous people of Kalla Centro live in an area where there is no centralized water system because of the hilly terrain and large, open spaces between houses.  The economy is based on subsistence farming and includes the production of potatoes, oats, and barley; grazing sheep and llamas; and raising cows.

In 2019, the nearby municipalities of Caqueaviri and Corocoro coordinated with the NGO/non-profit Suma Jayma to receive wells and hand pumps in exchange for labor and material contributions from each family. The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Ministry Fund provided financial support through WEFTA and “Suma Jayma Wells and Hand Pumps for Impoverished Bolivian Families Program”. The success of the water supply program drew interest from the families in Kalla Centro.

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

Since Kalla Centro does not have a source of safe and reliable drinking water, the families currently drink water from unprotected and contaminated springs, open wells, and rivers. Most must walk a considerable distance to carry water back to their home. Kalla Centro has requested help from Suma Jayma and WEFTA for wells and manual pumps for homes in the community.

Proposed Project

In coordination with Suma Jayma, WEFTA’s in-country strategic partners, construction of this project will provide protected groundwater wells to 48 individual households. Suma Jayma will drill, develop, and work with the community to build structures to protect each well from contamination.  Hand pumps will be installed for each family providing them access to reliable and clean water.

Sustainability Considerations

Each family will be trained on proper operation and maintenance of the well and hand pump system.

Community Engagement

The community will provide materials and labor equating to 37% of the total project cost. Specifically, the families will provide help with excavation of the well, pay for the cement for the well rings, and provide the locally available materials such as rock and sand.

WEFTA Volunteers

WEFTA volunteers will donate engineering services and post-construction follow-up to this project equating to 15% of the total project cost.

If you would like additional information about this project, please contact us.